PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MAYBELLINE CAT EYES HYPERCURL MASCARA IN BLACK

Here's my initial review on Maybelline's Cat Eyes Mascara.

This baby promises optimum volume and curl up to 75%. I actually been lemming for one since this came out but I had to empty my Chanel Inmitable first.

Okay, so I like the tiger print on the cap because it's in black and pink. 

So here's the mascara wand, it's a comb- wand, the newest innovation in lash wand technology. What's the reason behind comb wands? Because it's good for applying mascara while fixing your lashes at the same time. This helps in avoiding clumps, whenever there's no lash comb within you reach.

I find the comb wand very helpful but the only con would be, unlike bristled wands, this has the tendency to group (aka clump) your lashes, making 'em look thick, but a bit sparse. But at least it kinda' reaches the little hairs on the edges. But at least it can be a lash separator so a little drying of the mascara on the wand can make the comb a lash separator once your lashes clump.

Sorry for the clumpy lashes, I still have to get used to this "new lash wand technology". I wasn't really impressed with the results. The comb wand will take a bit of getting used to. 

But in all fairness to this product, my lashes were curled for around 2 hours and a pinch of an eyelash curler can make your eyes look wider and more awake.

I'm pretty sure that the Cat Eyes formula is wonderful, but the comb wand just didn't give justice to it. If it were in the bristled wand form, I'm pretty sure this will impart to my lashes the new brilliant formula Maybelline has developed. That's the wonder of bristled wands. They aid in making the mascara on your lashes look natural once applied.

SPEND VS. SAVE: VOLUMIZING MASCARAS

For this edition of Spend vs. Save, let's look at volumizing mascaras.

I eat mascara. So every mascara product out there, I've already tried. Some are great, some are not and some will always be a classic favorite.

Volumizing mascaras are my favorites because I love how it thickens my lashes. I'm not really a fan of wearing false lashes. Besides, the glue promotes eyelash loss.

Volumizing mascaras also have lengthening effects though they're formulated to give volume. Maybe because my lashes are quite long though sparse.

I have two volumizing mascaras in my stash:

CHANEL INMITABLE WATERPROOF MASCARA IN BLACK

MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH IN BLACK

TOP: CHANEL INMITABLE WATERPROOF MASCARA

BOTTOM: MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH MASCARA

Maybelline's great lash will always be a cult fave and is used by the heiress, Paris Hilton herself. This mascara by Maybelline has catapulted them to being the brand that formulates the best mascaras in the cosmetic industry. It's other contender, the Chanel mascara which is highly recommended in all the salons I've been to when I needed my hair and make- up to be done.

Sadly, Maybelline's Great Lash was pulled out from the Philippines. It was priced around 350php before but I got mine for 150php each only from the USA. Chanel's Mascara was priced around 1750php.

They say that the wands make a lot of difference in creating a great false eyelashes effect to the natural lashes. Mascara innovations claim that their precise brushes are equally aligned altogether to provide good and even coverage, separate lashes and reach every single lash.

Chanel claims that: in a single stroke, CHANEL sets a new standard in mascara with a formula that does it all. A sophisticated formula and unique brush design combine to lengthen, plump and curl, delivering lush, long-wearing colour so precisely that each lash, even the finest, is perfectly defined and separated.

While Maybelline says: The mascara that conditions as it thickens.Lash-doubling formula glides on smooth to build great-looking lashes Lash building brush makes it easy to get a full lash look without clumps or globs Contact lens safe and hypoallergenic Washable; also available in waterproof formula and with curved brush.

MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH MASCARA ON MY RIGHT LASHES

It has always resulted to this, thick and fluffy looking lashes. Snufflelufugus type :) And I love it! But the problem with great lash is, the tips of your lashes have the tendency to curl and if you're not able to apply a good amount of coating, your lashes will look clumpy because the mascara has clumped. But nevertheless, it gives you your money's worth and it's the best cheap mascara out there in the market. But unfortunately, it's unavailable locally. It smudges a bit but it doesn't necessarily results to raccoon eyes. A bit of smudge can be easily remedied with a dash of powder. :)

Chanel Inmitable Waterproof Mascara on my left lashes

Now see that gorgeous sky- high lengths and natural- looking volume. The texture of the wax is not sticky. It has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly on your lashes so clumping is out of the story. It dries quickly and the staying power is impressive. It stays all day and doesn't smudge at all!

Can you notice that I've used different brands on each of my lashes? :) In terms of volume, both will give you an amazing effect but Chanel's new formula is really good. But I wouldn't forget Great Lash because it's equally good as well. Both have good volumizing effects but Chanel's new formula provides a more natural- looking effect. But if you're willing to purchase Chanel, go ahead! It's worth the buy. For those who want to try Great Lash, it's also a good buy so make sure you get to haul when you visit the states or when you know someone who'll go there.

FOR THIS ISSUE, I SUGGEST:

SPEND OR SAVE! UP TO YOU! :)

TOP 5 MASCARAS

I eat mascara (that's a hyperbole). I love it so much that I always have money to spare to purchase mascara. As a tribute to this instant beautifier that keeps me looking fresh and pretty (:D), i have nominated my top 5 favorite mascara brands.

1. GREAT LASH BY MAYBELLINE- Gives you long and thick lashes that look GREAT. It's uber waterproof and may take time to remove but this has been my steady companion during theatre shows that keeps my eyes from looking like a raccoon therefore, sparing me time from touch- ups and cleaning.
2. LANCOME DIFFICILS/EXTENCILS- Lush lashes. that's what it'll give you. Kinda' pricey but gives you a very visible volumizing effect. I love this product so much because it makes my sparse lashes thicken in a matter of seconds. And above everything else, it looks so natural.
3. AVON ASTONISHING LENGTHS MASCARA- Due to the recession, i went out to search for the cheap but good mascara and I found Avon. Gives you longer and lush lashes and dries fast. It's a better alternative for the now unavailable Great Lash. It's waterproof but washable so for those who'd rather sleep than to remove your lashes with baby oil, this is your best bet.
4. L'OREAL DOUBLE EXTENSION MASCARA- One of the pioneers of the ceramide (white) mascaras. It's a double- edged beauty weapon with the ceramide mascara to give fibers to make your mascaras look thicker, and the finisher, the black mascara to coat the white one. Gives you absolute volume and dramatic eyes.
5. CLINIQUE- Their little mascara tube gives your lashes that instant oomph by adding volume and length. But the sad part is, I don't think it's available locally.

TOP 5 FACE/PRESSED POWDERS

I have a problem with oiliness (just a bit) so a face powder is the one I can count on if i need to freshen up. I'm sure you girls do too. So here's a tribute to our dear ol' friend, the face powder by nominating my personal top 5 best face powders

1. MAC STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION- a cult fave, this has been one of the outstanding powders ever developed in the make- up world. It has a lasting coverage, remedies some face imperfections and has the feel of a face powder though it has foundation. This 2-in-1 weapon is the choice of many women for MAC has proven that this indispensible tool will instantly amp up your look under stressful conditions!
2. MAYBELLINE FACE POWDER WITH SPF 15- The cheaper choice. Doesn't have an uber lasting coverage like MAC but does the job in keeping you shine- free! It's also budget- friendly and provides spf as well to shield your beauty from the harmful rays of the sun.
3. JOHNSON'S PURE ESSENTIALS FACE POWDER- a staple in my barbie bags when i was younger (well, I have been pre- destined to be a true make- up junkie) This is skin friendly so this is recommended to all the budding beauties out there. It also has shade ranges but still made from the good ol' tender johnson's talc. This keeps my face looking fresh and smelling good!
4. BOBBI BROWN FACE POWDER- The powder melts on your skin, making it appear flawless and natural. It's a Bobbi Brown staple and promise. It feels light and the buttery feel makes it nice to apply. Gives your skin that smooth- looking texture. It comes in the loose and pressed forms.
5. MAC BLOT POWDER- Keep's me ultimately shine free when i have to re- touch. Feels lighter and lives up to the promise that it will keep you shine free longer. i love it!

EYE SPY: THE GREENER PASTURES

ARE YOU SCARED OF GREEN EYESHADOWS? WELL, IT'S ACTUALLY WEARABLE. DON'T BE AFRAID, YOU WON'T LOOK LIKE A WALKING GRASSLAND. Green is actually a nice and wearable color. A certain change in lipcolor will add drama and style to those green eyes. :)

WHAT I USED TO CREATE THE "GREENER PASTURES"

ELIANTO EYESHADOWS IN FOREST GREEN, KIWI, GOLDEN YELLOW

MAC PIGMENT IN GOLDEN LEMON

FACE:

MAC STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION; MAC STUDIO FINISH CONCEALER

EYEBROW:

ELIANTO EYESHADOW IN BLACK

CHEEKS:

MAC MATTE BLUSH IN DESERT ROSE

LASHES:

MAYBELLINE WONDERCURL MASCARA

LIDS:

THE FACE SHOP GREATIST LIQUID EYELINER IN BLACK

HOW TO APPLY:

1. Apply the elianto golden yellow eyeshadow over all the eye crease as base

2. Starting from the outer to the inner arch of the eyes, apply the elianto eyeshadow in forest green

3. Apply the elianto eyeshadow in kiwi on the inner eye. Create a color fade effect from dark to light green

4. Apply the mac pigment in golden yellow on the center of the crease for a deep set effect.

5. Apply mascara then let it dry

6. Apply liquid eyeliner for additional drama

7. Apply the elianto eyeshadow in black over the brows to boost the color of your brows. Make sure to follow your arch

8. Apply the elianto eyeshadow in golden yellow below the eyebrows

THIS IS THE RED CARPET LOOK. A DASH OF A RED LIPSTICK WITH BLUISH UNDERTONES COULD MAKE YOU LOOK RED CARPET READY! I USED THE FACE SHOP'S COLOR CARE LIPSTICK IN 301

THIS IS THE GAEA LOOK. I JUST USED MAC'S LUSTREGLASS IN BEAUX TO MAKE THE EYES STAND OUT. SHINE LIKE A GODDESS!

HERE'S THE RETRO LOOK. I USED MAKE UP FOR EVER LACQUERED LIPSTICK IN 203 FOR AN EXPLOSION OF COLORS.

So there you go! think you can't wear green? Of course you can! it's a matter of experimentation and creativity. I just thickened the coverage but to make this an everyday wear, apply thinly over the eyes. And make sure to wear a stunning white outfit! ;)

MEET KARL: MY MAKE- UP KIT

EVERYONE, MEET KARL. MY TRUSTY MAKE- UP STASH FROM MARKWINS. BOUGHT THIS FROM BEAUTY BAR AT A CLEANING SALE FOR 1500PHP. SO I DECIDED TO ADOPT ONE OF THE 15 PCS. IT HAS A KEY TO LOCK IN YOUR BABIES AND IT'S SUPER STURDY. THE CASE IS MADE OF ALUMINUM METAL.

SO WHAT'S INSIDE KARL?

MAC:

Mac amplified creme lipstick in profusion

Mac satin lipstick in malt and twig

Mac matte lipstick in diva and marrakesh

Mac studio fix foundation in nc40 and nc42

Mac mineralize skinfinish natural in deep dark

Mac studio tech foundation in nc45

Mac Matte blush in Raizin and desert rose

Mac sculpt and shape powder in warm light/definitive

Mac lustreglass in beaux

Mac eyeshadow in glamour check!

Mac pigments (3 pots)

DIOR:

Dior addict lipstick in rose scenario

THE FACE SHOP:

The face shop super shine lipgloss

The face shop greatist liquid eyeliner (black)

The face shop color care lipstick in 301

MAKE UP FOR EVER:

MFE Lacquered lipstick in 203

KRYOLAN PROFESSIONAL:

Kryolan supracolor palette 6's (w shade)

Kryolan translucent powder in tl4

MAYBELLINE:

Maybelline great lash mascara black

Volum express (black and brown)

THE BODY SHOP:

The body shop brilliance powder

SHU UEMURA:

Shu Uemura eyelash curler

ELIANTO:

Elianto eyeshadow palette of 20

Elianto foundation brush

SUESH:

Suesh 16-pc. professional brush set

LANCOME:

Juicy gloss pot

KIEHL'S:

Kiehl's tinted lipbalm

EVER BILENA:

Pencil eyeliner (black and brown)

SALLY HANSEN:

Air brush stocking

MISCELLANEOUS:

Constance carrol lip volume treatment

Wet 'n wild lipgloss in candy apple

Bobbi brown eye pencil sharpener

False eyelashes from singapore

PAC loose eyeshadow in gold

SOON TO BE BABIES:

Mac matte lipstick in cyber

Mac satin lipstick in honeymoon

Mac matte lipstick in russian red

Mac pro lipstick in show orchid

Mac eyeshadow in carbon and chrome yellow

Nars blush in orgasm

Kryolan tv paint stick

Kryolan eyeshadow base

2 more mac lipglasses or lustreglasses

:)